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UK car production rises 10.4 per cent in June

The UK produced 131,586 units of new cars in June 2013, an increase of 10.4 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Of the total cars produced in June, 105,374 units were exported, while 26,212 were retained in the country.

The country’s car manufacturing grew by 1.1 per cent in the first half of 2013 to 764,390 units, compared to 756,116 units for the same period last year.

Mike Baunton, interim CEO of SMMT, said: “Car output in the UK grew during the first half of 2013, up 1.1 per cent building on a strong 2012 when manufacturing performed above pre-recession levels.

“Subdued demand in some European countries has held back production levels this year, but it is encouraging to see a significant rise in volumes destined for UK buyers. Our industry is building and developing innovative, high-quality products that appeal to a global customer base and because of this, independent analysts are confident that car output will grow in the long-term despite economic concerns on the continent.”

In addition, production of commercial vehicle (CV) grew by 1.4 per cent to 8,480 units in June, compared to 8,367 units in same period last year.

Nigel Base, commercial vehicle manager of SMMT, said: “June’s CV output provides a welcome boost to our commercial vehicle industry, with volumes increasing 1.4 per cent in the month, following a 17 per cent surge in home market demand.”

Meanwhile, engine production in the country also saw a growth of 10.9 per cent in June to 225,266 units compared to the same month last year.